Rh incompatibility

Rh incompatibility is a condition that occurs during pregnancy if a woman has Rh-negative blood and her baby has Rh-positive blood. Rh is short for Rhesus, referring to the Rhesus monkey, in which the protein was first discovered.

Causes

Rh incompatibility can occur if a woman with Rh-negative blood becomes pregnant by a man with Rh-positive blood and the baby inherits the father's Rh-positive blood type. Normally, the mother's Rh-negative blood is separate from the baby's Rh-positive blood. However, during pregnancy or at the time of delivery, some of the baby's Rh-positive blood can mix with the mother's Rh-negative blood. This can cause the mother's body to produce antibodies against the Rh factor, a condition known as Rh sensitization.

Symptoms

Rh incompatibility itself often causes no symptoms. However, Rh sensitization can lead to a number of health problems for the baby, including jaundice, anemia, brain damage, heart failure, and even death in severe cases.

Diagnosis

Rh incompatibility can be diagnosed through blood tests. If the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, the baby's Rh factor can be tested as soon as it is born. If the baby is Rh-positive, the mother may be given a series of two Rh immune-globulin shots during her first pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment for Rh incompatibility is aimed at preventing the mother from becoming sensitized. This can be achieved through the administration of Rh immune-globulin shots during pregnancy and after delivery.

Prevention

Rh incompatibility can be prevented if the mother is given Rh immune-globulin shots during her first pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive.

See also

• Blood type
• Pregnancy
• Anemia
• Jaundice

Rh incompatibility Resources
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